Wade says he's not guilty
By Mike Wheeler
Staff Reporter
BEAUMONT - Orange County Sheriff James Wade, the target of a federal drug investigation begun earlier this month alleging drug manufacture and sale by the sheriff, said Wednesday he is not guilty.
And his Tyler attorney, John Hannah, said in a brief statement they believe the investigation is only and attempt by Orange County drug dealers to get Wade out of office.
"I am not guilty of any of the allegations," Wade said. "Even if the government seeks indictments and I am charged, I have no doubts I will be cleared."
The statement followed a day-long hearing in which federal agents were seeking extension of a temporary protective order to stop what was believed to be harassment by Wade of two federal witnessees.
A two-year extension on the order was granted Wednesday afternoon by U. S. District Judge Howell Cobb.
Hannah, former U. S. attorney in Beaumont, said he believed the investigation was started by people involved in narcotics in Orange County "who dearly, dearly want Sheriff Wade out of office."
Hannah said he did not know if the federal investigation would continue of if any indictments would be brought against the sheriff, but said, "If there are indictments, I have no doubt Sheriff Wade will be acquitted."
Hannah said he believed the timing of the investigation was nothing more than political.
Hannah called the investigation a vendetta against the sheriff and said it was an organized effort to remove wade from office because of his efforts to reduce drug traffic in Orange County, and said he believed those behind the investigation were from both inside and outside the county.
Wade said he had no doubt that the Orange County "drug element" was responsible for the investigation and that the investigation was only a political move.
"And I have no doubts that those responsible will continue to be after me," the sheriff said.
"I am ready to prove my innocence," Wade said.
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